Toronto Raptors: 3 ways Marc Gasol will help the team

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 30: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the first quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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Photo by David Berding/Getty Images /

3. Overall defensive contribution

If both Marc Gasol and Jonas Valanciunas were to complete a self-evaluating survey about paint and perimeter defense, Gasol would rightfully tick all of the existing boxes. Valanciunas, on the other hand, would not.

Gasol is a former Defensive Player of the Year, joining Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Danny Green as current members on the Raptors that have been selected to an All-Defensive Team. He is known for his ability to defend almost every position on the court.

There is another way to describe the defensive culture Gasol will be bringing to Toronto with him. Sure, the Memphis Grizzlies have established themselves as one of the worst teams in the NBA, currently owning a record of 22-34, on pace for their second straight top draft selection.

But here’s the thing: The Grizzlies should proudly boast about the fact that they are the best scoring defense in the league, allowing only 103.4 points per game, and the seventh-best defensive rating. Although Gasol ain’t doing it all by himself, he has been a key reason in achieving this feat.

The Raptors seem to have added a defensive gem that will help them with their bench issues when it comes to sloppiness on the defensive end.

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